In the Court of King Arthur | Page 5

best of all the ten.
So they fought again each with a single foe. Hard pressed were the two
men of King Ryence, yet stubbornly they would not give way. And as
each side gave blow for blow, so each called "for Arthur" or "for
Ryence," whichever the case might be. Many hours they fought until at

last Sir Launcelot by a powerful blow crashed both foe and foe's horse
to the ground.
And as the other would further combat, though exceedingly weak, Sir
Launcelot, upraised lance in hand by a swift stroke smote sword from
out of his weakened grasp.
"Thou art a brave knight, friend. And having fought so well, I ask no
further penance but this, that you do now declare King Arthur no
upstart. I care not for your enmity but I will abide no slander."
"So must I then declare, since you have proven better man than I,"
declared the conquered knight. "And for your leniency I owe you
thanks. Wherefore then to whom am I grateful? I pray your name?"
"That I shall not tell until I hear your own," replied Launcelot.
"I am known as Ronald de Lile," the other replied in subdued tone.
"Truly and well have I heard of you as a brave knight," was the reply,
"and now I know it to be so. I am Sir Launcelot du Lake."
"Then indeed is honor mine and glory, too. For honor it is to succumb
to Sir Launcelot."
But now both heard the voice of Gawaine. Weak had he grown, but
weaker still his foe. Gawaine had brought the other to earth at last with
swift and mighty blow and such was the force of his stroke the fallen
man could not rise although he made great ado so to do.
"So must I yield," this knight declared. "Now will I admit Arthur no
upstart, but though I die for it I do declare no greater king than Ryence
ever lived."
"By my faith, your words are but such as any knight must hold of his
own sovereign prince. I cannot take offense at brave words, Sir Knight.
Now, give me your name, for you are strong and worthy."
"I am Marvin, brother of him who fought with your comrade. And

never have we met bolder and greater knights."
"I am Gawaine and he who fought your brother is none other than
Launcelot."
"Then truly have we met no mean foes," replied the other.
Conquered and conquerers now turned to make the wounded as
comfortable as they well could be. After which, our two knights
debated going on their journey or tarrying where they were until the
morn.
"Let us wend our way until we find fit place for food and rest. There
can we tarry." So spoke Launcelot and the other agreed.
Then they took leave of Sir Marvin and Sir Ronald and so on their way.
Not many miles did they go however before they found suitable place.
Late was the hour and weary and much in need of rest were the two
knights. So they slept while, half his journey covered, Allan sped
onward, making fast time because he was but light of weight and his
horse exceeding swift.

CHAPTER FOUR
Allan Meets the Knights
From the first day when Allan began to understand the tales of chivalry
and knightly deeds, he fancied and longed for the day when he would
grow into manhood and by the same token into knighthood. Then
would he go unto King Arthur on some Pentecost and crave the boon of
serving him. Mayhap, too, he would through brave and worthy deeds
gain seat among those of the Round Table. So he would dream, this
youth with eager eyes, and his father, Sir Gaunt, soon came to know of
his son's fancies and was overly proud and pleased with them. For he
himself had, in his days, been a great and worthy knight, of many
adventures and victor of many an onslaught. It pleased him that son of

his would follow in his footsteps.
When Allan was fourteen, Sir Gaunt proceeded to Sir Percival who was
great friend of his and bespoke for his son the place of page. And so to
please Sir Gaunt and for friendship's sake, Sir Percival gave ready
consent. Therewith, he found the youth pleasing to the eye and of a
great willingness to serve.
So must we return to Allan who is now on his way for many an hour.
As he made his way, he marveled that he should have had notice
brought upon himself, for he was young and diffident and should by
every token have escaped attention in these his first days at court. How
would his heart have grown tumultuous had he known that none